Johnson has commissioned a series of free events called Secrets: Hidden London to bring to life some of the capital’s lesser-known locations including its canals, which have been earmarked to stage a unique floating opera inspired by the poem The Owl and the Pussy Cat.
Another of the initiatives, the Big Busk, will see London’s young musical talent take part in a ‘supersized’ busking competition for the chance to perform in town centres, parks, Olympic venues, live sites and transport hubs across the city.
Several secret pop-up performances will take over and transform some of London’s most iconic landmarks, which will also feature various installations of the Olympic rings and special projections.
The streets will be dressed with bunting and banners to get the public in the party spirit, while bridges from Hungerford Bridge in the west to Tower Bridge in the east will be illuminated on the evenings of the Games.
The events, collectively known as Showtime, will complement the BT London Live programmes already announced in Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square.
"2012 is one of the most thrilling years in our city's history and as we welcome the world we have an unprecedented opportunity to showcase and strengthen London's outstanding culture and creativity, which are a hugely important part of our economy," said Johnson.
"We're creating the biggest festival of outdoor arts ever to be seen in the capital, as well as fantastic new work that will throw new light on some of our city's lesser known landmarks and hidden gems. Wherever you are you will feel a part of the 2012 celebrations and experience a summer like no other in one of the most exciting cities on earth."
The events are being curated by five leading festival producers, who have worked on festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival and Brighton Festival, the Lord Mayor's Parade, Paradise Gardens, Camden Crawl, Liberty and a host of others. They will be supported by the Mayor’s Culture Squad apprentices.
The London 2012 Festival takes place from 21 July to the 9 September.
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